Officers searched the properties in response to intelligence concerning the supply of illegal drugs.

Upon initial examination, substances believed to be Class A drugs including heroin and crack cocaine, to the value of around £7,000, were seized during the searches.

These will now be forensically examined.

All the raids took place in the Portsmouth area.

Two women aged, 30 and 32 and six men aged 16, 21,22,26, 34 and 38 all from Portsmouth have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

They are currently being questioned by police.

Chief Inspector Darren O’Callaghan, who led today’s operation, said: “The supply of illegal drugs will not be tolerated in Portsmouth and these arrests demonstrate our continued determination to disrupt such activity.

“Our main priority is to protect the innocent and law-abiding people who live in the communities we serve by ensuring they are not blighted by criminal activity and anti-social behaviour often associated with the use of drugs.

“I’d like to thank partner agencies who have showed support for our ongoing fight against drugs in the city. In particular the Royal Navy who provided support in transporting prisoners during this operation.

“Officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods teams have visited the communities affected by this operation to provide reassurance and to distribute leaflets to those concerned which describe what has taken place.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: "We recognise the damage that drug trafficking can cause to local communities and the way in which this can drive associated crime such as burglary and car crime.

“We are committed to continuing to reduce this and to protecting our communities. Today's operation has seen a large number of officers helping to make Portsmouth a very hostile area for those targeting our communities."

If you are concerned about drug activity in your neighbourhood you can call the police in confidence on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.

If you don’t want to speak to the police directly you can also call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 which will pass on the information.